Admittedly many of the factors regarding technology and industry are out of the immediate control of most health workes. What then can ordinary citizens immediately do to adopt more rational therapeutic practices?

Use newspapers and other fora to oppose false/misleading propaganda by drug companies, etc. Let industry know that you are alert and fighting fit.

If you are a health worker/social activist/concerned citizen, train carefully to prescribe correctly, and educate people about the right use of medicines.

Remember that the goal of drug action is community health (in other words, donít forget about other issues in health when getting involved with drugs).

CONCLUSION

Drugs, disease and doctors involve some very powerful socio-political and emotional froces. Modern Drugs, because of their success rates and because of the huge profits involved, have become a crucial area for people to exercise their right to freedom, their right to non-violation of the sanctity of oneís body, and in many cases their right to maintain oneís personal moral integrity and identity. Only enlightened social action can help maintain our health through this double-edged sword